Page 39 of The Woods

“You mean you only remember the times when you were at the edge of the woods?” Polly asks. “When you went in and when you came out?”

Geoff considers the question for a few seconds. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Maybe you hit your head and have amnesia but don’t remember hitting your head,” Quinn offers.

“If you had amnesia, then you wouldn’t even remember who you are,” Polly points out. “So that’s a stupid theory.”

“Oh, but falling into a patch of magic mushrooms is perfectly reasonable,” Quinn argues.

“Enough. You’re all being ridiculous,” Beverley interjects. “The man got drunk and blacked out in the woods for the night. End of story.”

“It doesn’t matter what happened,” Alice says. “All that matters is that he’s back, safe and sound.”

Geoff leans down and kisses her on the mouth, causing both kids to groan. Quinn extracts himself from his dad’s arm and rolls his eyes, looking so similar to his father in that moment that it irks Beverley.

“Can I go over to Jason’s house?” Quinn asks.

Alice responds with her stock question, “Do you have homework?” Quinn glares at her without answering. “Sure,” Alice concedes, too quickly. “Just be home for dinner.” Quinn says nothing in response before leaving the room.

Beverley is not surprised that Quinn is making his mother pay for what she said last night. In Beverley’s opinion, her daughter’s delivery was a bit harsh, but she’s glad that she told one of those kids off for once. They get off way too easy with both their parents. Alice will now spend her days trying to make up for the outburst. As far as Beverley’s concerned, her daughter should simply own it and tell the kid to get over it.

“If nobody minds,” Geoff says, looking only at Alice. “I’d like to go try and get some writing done. I’m feeling inspired after my night in the woods.”

Beverley cannot believe her ears. It’s the first time she’s ever known Geoff to consult his wife before doing whatever it is he feels like doing. Usually, he just disappears. She wonders if he did fall and hit his head. Alice might’ve missed the bump.

“You sure you didn’t hit your head, Geoff?”

He gives her a quizzical look. “I’m positive, Beverley. Like I said before, no bumps, no scratches, no pain.” He doesn’t seem to understand the nuance of the question, but she can tell that Alice does. Her daughter is glaring at her.

“I don’t mind at all,” Alice says, her voice dripping with sweetness. “Thanks, though, for asking. And just don’t overdo it. You had a weird night.”

“I won’t,” Geoff says, kissing the top of Alice’s head and then pulling Polly in for a quick hug before leaving the kitchen.

“Well, getting lost in the woods seems to agree with him,” Beverley says as soon as he’s gone.

“Yeah, he’s being all mushy,” Polly says with a laugh.

“Strange, though, isn’t it?” Beverley adds. “That he doesn’t remember anything.”

Alice puts a hand over her mouth to cover a yawn. “I’m just glad he’s home,” she says, sounding exhausted. “I was really scared.”

“I can’t believe you stayed outside all night waiting for him. You must be exhausted.” What Beverley really wants to say is, You must be crazy, but she bites her tongue, as she’s become so good at doing. “Why don’t you go lie down for a bit.”

Alice smiles at her mother and nods. “Yeah, I think I will.” She turns to Polly. “Any plans this afternoon?”

Polly looks up from her phone. “The girl I met at the Labor Day barbecue texted and asked if I wanted to go for a swim this afternoon with some other girls before they close their pool for the winter.”

“Sounds fun,” Alice says. “Just be home for dinner.” Polly gives her a thumbs-up on her way out of the room.

“Looks like Quinn is still frosty after last night,” Beverley says. “Have the two of you spoken?”

Alice frowns and shakes her head. “We haven’t had a chance. What with Geoff arriving back so suddenly.”

“Even if you do apologize, I’m sure he’ll make you pay for it for days to come. That’s just what kids do.”

“Right,” Alice says with a deep sigh. “Anyway, right now I’m just so glad that Geoff’s home. I can deal with Quinn’s backlash later. It’s not like I’m not used to it. It’s not that I don’t deserve it.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, dear. You have your family for that.” She laughs at her own joke and then gives her daughter a gentle push. “Now, go get some rest. You look exhausted.” Surprisingly, Alice listens and shuffles off in the direction of her bedroom.